Beckton councillor Syed Hussain Ahmed appeared in court today where he pled not guilty to committing the offence, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

Newham Town Hall and (inset) councillor Syed Hussain Ahmed

A newly-elected councillor in Newham has been charged with sexual assault.

Syed Hussain Ahmed, a councillor in Beckton ward, is accused of a sexual assault offence in the City of London.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place on 8th October 2025 and was reported to police on 7th January. He was arrested on 4th March, charged on 15th May and appeared in front of a magistrates court on 19th June.

Cllr Ahmed pled not guilty at Inner London Crown Court today (Friday 17th) and has been released under conditions.

He is set to appear again at Inner London Crown Court on 13th December 2027.

Cllr Ahmed was elected for the first time as a Labour councillor on 7th May this year.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the Labour Party has now suspended him.

Newham Council told the LDRS that Cllr Ahmed has sat as an independent councillor since Wednesday (15th).

The council’s website also says that he will host no surgeries “until further notice”.

A council spokesperson said: “Councillor Syed Hussain Ahmed was elected in May to represent the Beckton ward. From July 15, Cllr Ahmed now sits as an independent member.”

Both Cllr Ahmed and the Labour Party have been contacted for comment.

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